Updated October 2026. We reviewed every center in our 2025 list against its own website and current retreat listings. Programs, teams, prices and safety practices change, so confirm details directly with any center before you book. Inclusion here is not an endorsement.
Introduction
Costa Rica has become one of the most sought-after destinations for ayahuasca retreats outside the Amazon basin. Rainforest, mountains and two coastlines, an established wellness culture, and easy flights from North America make it a natural place for deep inner work. Whether you are a first-time journeyer or returning to the medicine, the right setting, the right lineage and the right team matter more than anything else.
This guide covers the Costa Rica ayahuasca retreats we were able to confirm are offering programs for late 2026 and 2027, what makes each one different, and how to choose between them.
Costa Rica ayahuasca retreats at a glance
| Center | Region | Retreat length | Ceremonies | Group size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Posada Natura | Central Pacific rainforest, near Manuel Antonio | 8 days | 3 | Up to 16 |
| Soltara Healing Center | Gulf of Nicoya and Central Pacific Valley | 5, 7 or 12 nights | Varies by program | Not published |
| Behold Retreats | Costa Rica | 6 nights | Varies by program | 7 to 11 |
| The Reunion Experience | Guanacaste, Pacific coast | 7 nights | 4 | Up to 35 |
| Rythmia | Guanacaste, Playa Avellana | 7 nights | Varies by program | Large, resort-style |
| Anam Cara Healing Retreats | Southern Costa Rica, near Uvita | 8 days | 3 | Intimate |
| Sowa Soma | Caribbean coast, Punta Uva | 5 days | 2 | Up to 6 |
| Acsauhaya | Guanacaste, Playa Negra | Short private stay | 2 | 1 or 2 |
Posada Natura – Central Pacific rainforest, near Manuel Antonio
Posada Natura is a family-owned rainforest sanctuary beside the Naranjo River in Londres, eight miles from Manuel Antonio. Eight-day plant medicine retreats are held in the Kamëntšá yagé tradition of Colombia's Sibundoy Valley, in the lineage of Taita Juan Bautista Agreda Chindoy, with Circle of Sacred Nature.
Groups are small, with exclusive use of the sanctuary, and every guest goes through intake with the facilitator and review by a medical advisory board before confirmation. Retreat income supports Eco Era's protection of more than 10,000 acres of primary rainforest and watershed in the Cerro Nara mountains.
Highlights
- Eight-day retreats with three ceremonies, integration circles, yoga, meditation and river time
- Kamëntšá yagé lineage held with Circle of Sacred Nature
- Small groups with exclusive use of a riverfront rainforest sanctuary
- Facilitator intake call and medical advisory board review before every booking
- Retreats from $3,600, with a three-part payment plan
- Every stay supports rainforest and watershed conservation
See Posada Natura retreat dates
Soltara Healing Center – Gulf of Nicoya and Central Pacific Valley
Soltara is one of Costa Rica's best-known ayahuasca centers, with ceremonies led by Peruvian Shipibo healers. Soltara now runs retreats at two Costa Rica locations: its original oceanfront center at Playa Blanca on the Gulf of Nicoya, and a Central Pacific Valley location.
Highlights
- Peruvian Shipibo healers and a strong focus on preparation and integration
- Five-, seven- and twelve-night retreats, plus programs for returning guests
- Two Costa Rica locations: beachfront Playa Blanca and the Central Pacific Valley
Behold Retreats – Costa Rica
Behold Retreats runs small, highly curated retreats for guests who want a premium, vetted experience. Its Costa Rica ayahuasca retreats are six nights and all-inclusive, with groups of 7 to 11, and a women's retreat on select dates. Ceremonies are held by Indigenous-trained facilitators in Peruvian and Brazilian lineages, and the team requires an application, a discovery call and medical screening.
Highlights
- Six-night, all-inclusive retreats with groups of 7–11
- Application, consultation and medical screening before acceptance
- Women's ayahuasca retreats on select dates
- Private rooms from $7,650
The Reunion Experience – Guanacaste
The Reunion Experience is held at Playa Pan de Azúcar on Guanacaste's Pacific coast, less than an hour from Liberia airport. Seven-night retreats include four ayahuasca ceremonies, with a larger group of up to 35 guests supported by an experienced facilitation team.
Highlights
- Seven nights with four ayahuasca ceremonies
- Pacific beachfront setting under an hour from Liberia (LIR)
- Larger groups of up to 35 guests
Explore the Reunion Experience
Rythmia Life Advancement Center – Guanacaste
Rythmia is a large, resort-style center at Playa Avellana in Guanacaste. Its seven-night program combines plant medicine ceremonies with breathwork, classes and other wellness offerings, and it is best suited to people who are comfortable in a bigger group.
Highlights
- Seven-night, resort-style programs
- Ceremonies combined with breathwork, classes and bodywork
- Larger groups and extensive amenities
Anam Cara Healing Retreats – Southern Costa Rica
Anam Cara holds intimate ayahuasca retreats at Kinkara, in the mountains about an hour east of the beaches of Uvita. Eight-day retreats include three ceremonies with medicine brewed by Shipibo maestros from the Peruvian Amazon.
Highlights
- Eight-day retreats with three ayahuasca ceremonies
- Shipibo lineage
- Mountain setting in Southern Costa Rica, near Uvita
Explore Anam Cara Healing Retreats
Sowa Soma – Caribbean coast
Sowa Soma offers very small ayahuasca retreats in Punta Uva, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in Limón Province. Its five-day retreat includes two ceremonies and a closing cacao circle, with a maximum of six guests, and a longer Caribbean immersion is also offered.
Highlights
- Groups of no more than six guests
- Five-day retreats with two ceremonies, plus longer immersions
- Caribbean coast setting in Punta Uva
Acsauhaya – Playa Negra, Guanacaste
For people who want a fully private experience, Acsauhaya offers short retreats near Playa Negra in Guanacaste for one or two participants. Retreats include two ceremonies, with online preparation before and integration after.
Highlights
- Private retreats for one or two people
- Two ceremonies over a short stay
- Online preparation and integration sessions
Explore AcsauhayaJoin a retreat at Posada Natura
What changed since our 2025 list
Several centers from our 2025 guide are no longer included. Some now hold their ayahuasca retreats outside Costa Rica, and for others we could not confirm current Costa Rica retreat dates. If you were considering a center from the earlier list, check its website for where its retreats are held today.
How to Choose an Ayahuasca Retreat Center in Costa Rica
Choosing an ayahuasca retreat center in Costa Rica is a personal decision that greatly impacts your healing journey. Here are the key factors to weigh.
| Factor | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Facilitators and lineage | Experienced, trauma-informed facilitators with a real connection to an Indigenous lineage. Ask who leads ceremony and how long they have trained. |
| Screening and safety | A thorough intake covering medications, physical health and mental health, with medical review. A center that does not screen is a red flag. |
| Group size | Smaller groups offer more personal attention. Compare intimate groups of 6–16 with larger groups of 30 or more. |
| Retreat length | Five to eight days with two to four ceremonies is typical. Longer retreats leave more time to rest and integrate between ceremonies. |
| Integration support | Integration circles during the retreat and support afterward help you bring insights home. |
| Location | Rainforest, mountains, Pacific beaches or the Caribbean coast. Consider travel time from San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR). |
| Accommodations | Clean, comfortable rooms in a quiet, natural setting. Check whether rooms are private or shared. |
| Cost and inclusions | Compare what is included: meals, lodging, airport transfers, excursions and integration. |
| Reviews and testimonials | Read and watch accounts from past participants. |
| Alignment with intentions | Choose a retreat that fits your goals, whether healing, spiritual growth or reconnection with nature. |
How much does an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica cost?
Prices vary with length, group size and accommodation. Among the centers above, published prices start around $3,600 for an eight-day retreat at Posada Natura and reach $7,650 for a private room on a six-night Behold retreat. Always check what is included, especially meals, airport transfers, private versus shared rooms and integration support.
When is the best time to go?
Costa Rica's dry season runs roughly from December to April, with sunnier days and higher demand. The green season, from May to November, brings afternoon rain, lush forest and often quieter retreats. Ceremonies are held year-round, so choose the dates that let you prepare well and rest afterward.
What to Expect During an Ayahuasca Retreat?
You’ll spend several days in community, participating in group sharing, movement practices, nature excursions, swimming in the river, and quiet reflection. Integration sessions help you make sense of your experiences and apply the insights to your daily life back home.
Many guests report feeling:
- A profound sense of peace and purpose
- Release of long-held emotional trauma
- Spiritual connection and insight
- Renewed inspiration for life
Before you go, read our ayahuasca diet and preparation guide.
Why Costa Rica for Ayahuasca Retreats?
Costa Rica is one of the most popular ayahuasca retreat destinations because of its natural beauty, spiritual energy and wellness culture. Lush rainforests, pristine beaches and mountains create a serene backdrop for transformative work, and the country's thriving wellness community means many retreats offer yoga, meditation and bodywork alongside ceremony.
Frequently asked questions
Is ayahuasca legal in Costa Rica?
Ayahuasca is not specifically named in Costa Rica's drug laws, and retreat centers operate openly across the country. The legal situation has never been formally settled, though, so choose an established center with careful screening, and check the rules of your home country before you travel.
How much does an ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica cost?
Most retreats in this guide cost between about $3,600 and $8,000, depending on length, group size and room type. At Posada Natura, eight-day retreats with three ceremonies start at $3,600, with a three-part payment plan.
How many ceremonies will I sit in?
Most Costa Rica retreats include two to four ceremonies over five to eight days. Rest days between ceremonies give you time to integrate what comes up.
Is ayahuasca safe for first-timers?
Many guests at a good retreat are first-timers. Safety depends on honest screening, an experienced team and careful preparation. Some medications and health conditions make ayahuasca unsafe, which is why a thorough intake and medical review matter. Read what to expect at your first ayahuasca ceremony.
How should I prepare?
Most centers ask you to follow a simple diet for one to two weeks before you arrive, avoiding alcohol, pork, heavily processed food and certain medications. See our ayahuasca diet and preparation guide.
What happens after the retreat?
Integration is where the work continues. Look for a center that holds integration circles during the retreat and offers support afterward. Posada Natura also offers integration stays for guests who want more time in the rainforest.
Start Your Ayahuasca Journey Today
If you’re ready to experience deep spiritual healing and personal growth, Costa Rica offers a variety of ayahuasca retreats that can help guide you on your transformative journey.
Read what to expect at your first ayahuasca ceremony. If you're ready to heed the call, see our upcoming retreats in Costa Rica or schedule a free discovery call.
